Business Stream analysed the average water used during poultry processing and compared the results to the sector's best practice usage.

The results showed that during turkey processing an average of 60 litres of water was used every year.

However, by implementing simple water efficiency measures businesses could reduce water use by up to 33 per cent - the equivalent of 50 cups of tea per employee.

As well as turkey processing, the volume of water used during chicken processing also highlighted another potential saving opportunity for firms. On average it takes 15 litres of water each year per animal processed, however, from analysing the sector's best practice usage during this could be reduced by 47 per cent

. Business Stream's water benchmarking calculator allows organisations to input their water consumption and see how it compares against industry peers and rivals. Using this information Business Stream can then provide recommendations for businesses and implement water efficiency measures to help them make significant financial and environmental savings.

The majority of Scottish businesses pay for their water based on consumption meaning firms who manage their water use efficiently have the opportunity to make considerable savings. When the non-domestic Scottish water market opened to competition in 2008 businesses were given the right to choose their water provider for the first time. The introduction of competition was designed to improve service, help businesses reduce water costs and encourage innovation.

Mark Powles, chief executive of Business Stream, said: "This is a difficult time for all businesses, however, water is often overlooked as something which can actually contribute to the financial performance of a business.

"Poultry processing uses a lot of water and there is a real opportunity for it to lead the way in good water practice. There are a host of water efficiency services available which can benefit businesses and, importantly, these are very cost-efficient and can lead to demonstrable financial savings.

"It often only requires small, low cost changes within an organisation for significant savings to be achieved, to the benefit of everyone. Our customers can do some of these themselves, and Business Stream can help with the rest."